DARE

05/06/2026

68.8% of illegal cigarette buyers identified the seller as a foreign national, and 75% say illegal ci******es are easy to obtain, according to recent survey data.

MAMBA warns that compliant micro businesses are losing customers daily to cheaper, untaxed products sold openly nearby.

The association urges sustained enforcement at retail level, stressing that foreign nationals involved face severe consequences: detention, work permit cancellation, and deportation.

A recent survey found that 68.8% of illegal cigarette buyers identified foreign nationals as sellers, while 75% said illicit ci******es were easy to obtain.

03/06/2026

An interesting perspective on UMA queries and the importance of timely disclosure in maintaining market confidence.

Read more here: https://www.thestar.com.my/business/insight/2026/05/30/unusual-reply-to-uma-query

28/05/2026

Nearly 64% of Malaysian smokers admit buying illegal ci******es in the past 12 months, according to a new nationwide poll by Wawasanex.

The firm's data also shows that 68.8% of buyers identified a foreign national as their seller, a clear indication of how deeply embedded this network has become in everyday retail.

Wawasanex noted that the Customs Department seized RM903.49 million worth of illicit to***co over the past two years and foiled 7,097 cases in 2025 alone.

KUALA LUMPUR: Nearly two in three (63.8 per cent) Malaysians have bought illegal ci******es in the past 12 months.

19/05/2026

How Nepal’s hydropower progress could offer valuable lessons for emerging renewable energy opportunities across the region, including Sarawak. Pankaj, DARE’s MD, explores the growing role of renewable energy, regional collaboration, and long-term energy security in shaping Asia’s energy future.

Read more: https://www.thestar.com.my/business/insight/2026/05/16/asias-next-battery---nepal-leads

The Middle East crisis has taken longer than expected to resolve, and elevated global oil prices have caused hardship for many nations, including Malaysia.

19/05/2026

Malaysia Leads Global Statistical Rankings

The Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) has officially launched Phase 2 of the Economic Census 2026, focusing on medium and large businesses across 35 key sectors.

With Malaysia now ranked #1 in the world for its national statistical system, the data generated from over 500,000 census exercises will offer an unmatched benchmark for national economic policy and industry growth.

Operational data is expected as early as the end of this year. For businesses, this means access to high-quality insights to guide labor planning, investment decisions, and strategic market positioning.

Source:

DOSM, Economic Census, statistics, medium- and lar

14/05/2026

Malaysia recorded 10.65 million tourist arrivals in Q1 2026, a 5.4% year-on-year increase and the highest ever for the period.

February set a new monthly record at 3.47 million arrivals, driven by Chinese New Year travel and expanded flight connectivity. China led growth at +25.2%, while European arrivals exceeded 500,000 for the first time.

KUALA LUMPUR, May 13 — Malaysia recorded a new tourism milestone in the first quarter of 2026, welcoming more than 10.6 million international visitors — the highest ever for...

13/05/2026

Migrant workers face severe penalties under Malaysian law for involvement in illicit cigarette trade—even for minor roles.

ARRESCON warns that under the Customs Act 1967, possession of uncustomed goods carries a minimum fine of RM100,000 or six months' jail for first-time offenders. Repeat offenders may face fines up to RM200,000 and imprisonment.

ARRESCON has warned migrant workers that involvement in Malaysia’s illicit cigarette trade could lead to imprisonment, deportation, and long-term immigration consequences under strict Malaysian laws.

11/05/2026

Malaysia’s political landscape is entering an interesting phase ahead of GE16, with evolving dynamics expected to shape governance and policy discussions in the months ahead.

Read more: https://www.thestar.com.my/business/insight/2026/05/09/ge16-all-eyes-on-pmx

07/05/2026

Foreign nationals are increasingly operating illicit cigarette distribution networks in Malaysia—not just as workers, but as owners.

Despite enforcement, the illicit market remains at 54.4% with annual fiscal losses exceeding RM5 billion. Structural vulnerabilities in border control, immigration oversight, and retail enforcement persist.

Serbuan di Balakong dan Shah Alam pada 8 April lalu telah membuktikan corak ini. Dalam operasi tersebut, 133 warga asing ditahan dan rokok seludup dirampas. Ini bukan kejadian terpencil.

06/05/2026

How much do we actually move at work?

This piece highlights why small movement habits matter more than we think. At DARE, we recently explored this in a workplace session, a good reminder that small changes can go a long way.

Worth a quick read: https://focusmalaysia.my/moving-more-at-work-trainers-call-for-mobility-focused-office-routines/

With prolonged sitting contributing to musculoskeletal and other chronic health issues, Malaysian employers and employees are encouraged to integrate mobility exercises into their daily work routines.